East extends Shots stay

Neil Allen

Danny East’s loan spell at Aldershot has been extended for a second month.

Featuring on the right-hand side of midfield, the 23-year-old started all three of the Shots’ matches during his initial month.

Those performances prompted caretaker boss Chris Barker to seek to retain him for the Vanarama Conference side.

With Andy Awford eager for East to benefit from more game time following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Blues have consented.

However, a 24-hour recall has now been inserted into the agreement.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘We’ve had a chat and Danny has extended his loan at Aldershot for another month, with a 24-hour recall put in.

‘The recall option is something you cannot do in the first month, but we wanted it.

‘Danny’s only had three games so far, he’s been unfortunate in that there have been a lot of postponements with the FA Trophy and the weather.

‘We wanted him to play five or six matchs, getting himself right and up to speed, but he hasn’t and it was nobody’s fault.

‘He has been playing on the right-hand side of midfield in a four. I spoke to Matt Gray, the first-team coach, and ideally they would like him to play right-back or in the centre of midfield – which is where I prefer him.

‘At the end of the day, as long as he is getting game time we are comfortable. He is their player, it is up to them what they want to do, as long as he isn’t playing centre forward!

‘Danny can play up the right-hand side – he did that for me at Northampton last year – you just want him playing in one of those areas you are comfortable in seeing him.

‘I watched him against Kidderminster the other month and he did okay.

‘We are definitely monitoring him, Aldershot is on the doorstep. I would rather watch games than Coronation Street and it was a good opportunity to see him play.’

Meanwhile, Matt Tubbs is expected to be fit for the Exeter game.

The striker was forced off late on against Dagenham & Redbridge after receiving a knock to his ankle.

But Awford is confident he can maintain his partnership with Ryan Taylor for the Grecians’ visit.

He added: ‘Matt is okay, he has got a bang, he’ll be fine.

‘Ben Chorley returned to training yesterday after his ankle injury and we will have a look at that ahead of the game.’